Be careful what you wish for

MAJOR capital projects have been undertaken in Alderney in recent years – but there remains much to be done if the island is going to prosper.

The worldwide recession has hit the local economy hard. Tourism is down, shops have closed and the population appears to be dwindling.

On the flipside, millions have been spent on redeveloping the commercial quay, a new care home and improving the water supply. Further, a housing association has been set up, tidal power plans are being developed and there is a fair chance a marina could be built in the next few years.

It is somewhat perverse, then, that Alderney has spent so much during a time when governments the world over are being forced to deal with rising unemployment and substantial cutbacks.

Interestingly, Alderney has faced rising unemployment, particularly in the building trade, and been forced to reduce spending in some areas. But the projects have continued – mainly thanks to the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.

Where the island would be without e-gambling cash is anyone's guess. It is debatable whether a new quay would have been built had Alderney

not been able to contribute several millions on top of the £6m. pledged by Guernsey.

And to be frank, without e-gambling, the care home would still be a pipe dream and the water project may not have started.

Despite the unprecedented spending in recent years, Alderney still finds itself in a bit of a pickle. The economy isn't showing signs of picking up – and it's mainly due to the fact that visitor figures have slowed considerably over the past decade.

Alderney relies on tourism in much the same way Saudi Arabia relies on oil. So many businesses here prosper only when tourism is booming. A marina is therefore important, as it would surely help encourage more people to visit. And if only airfares were a little lower...

Tourism is obviously essential, but what exactly does the island want to become? Would the local population like Alderney to be a year-round tourist destination which is constantly busy? Or is the reality that the island could do with a few thousand extra visitors a year? It may just be that a dozen extra families are needed to boost the economy.

Occasionally I think people need to be careful what they wish for. Mass tourism in numerous European destinations tends to mean lager louts, noise pollution and antisocial behaviour.

Alderney needs to think carefully about what it wants. It then needs to research the facts, develop policy and have a go at solving the problems.

It's OK saying we need more visitors, but how many more, and what kind of visitors do we want? What are they going to do when they get here? Alderney's beautiful for walking and relaxing, but the average punter wants a lot more.

The aforementioned marina therefore presents a massive opportunity. Building it will provide a boost, but having one which includes tourist attractions could provide what the island has been missing.